I want to share something personal with you about a person who means the world to me – Barbara, my beloved mother. As the second anniversary of her passing approaches (August 30th), I’ve recently encountered several sightings of Red Cardinals. I’ve seen them twice in my garden and once while outside on lunch break at my day job. I even saw one when I was exploring an old cemetery near the shoreline.

My love of writing comes from my love of reading and that comes from my wonderful mum and dad. I fondly remember the weekly visits to the children’s library with them to take out a couple of books – one to read alone and one for my parents to read to me. We would then go to the main library so mum could stock up on Mills and Boon romances and dad could get his weekly fix of books by authors like Alistair Maclean and Nevil Shute.

Kathy, my wife, mentioned that she had once read that Red Cardinal sightings were a sign from the spirit world that a loved one was watching over you and letting you know that person was okay. I initially put it down to chance that I’d seen one, but after seeing more – four in the space of a couple of weeks – I said to myself “Self, you need to fire up the old Interweb and do a little investigating about this.”

With notepad and pen at the ready, I fired up the laptop, took a chug of iced coffee and opened a browser to take a look. As in all things researched on the Internet, you need to check out several sites for info and not accept one site as “gospel.”

What I discovered was very interesting.

Cardinal is derived from the Latin cardo, meaning hinge or axis. Does that mean that this fiery-red bird is a hinge on a spiritual doorway that allows messages to travel back and forth between our earthly world and the spirit world? Messages can be sent to the living from the spirit world in many forms, but the Red Cardinal has long been held as the most notable of all spiritual messengers.

The suggestion that these birds are spiritual messengers exists across many cultures and beliefs. The male of the species is hard to ignore with its striking plumage, and when they visit you it’s very likely it could be a message from the spirit world.

The bird is associated with many of the myths and traditions that surround renewal, good health, happy relationships, monogamy, and protection, to name a few. It’s easy to see why so many good associations are connected to Cardinals:

• They mate for life
• They’re non-migratory birds, so they remain in their immediate area all their lives and all-year-long, protecting their turf
• After the couple gives birth, both parents work together to assure the health, welfare, and security of their family unit

If, like me, you believe that Cardinals are winged messengers from the spirit world, the next time you see one who’s trying to capture attention, ask yourself this:

• Who or what was I thinking about at that moment?
• Did I ask for guidance from the spirit world?
• Did I ask for help finding the answer to an important question?

A deceased loved one may send a messenger from the animal kingdom to let you know they’re with you, something with wings to get your attention; something visually striking like a Red Cardinal. If you allow yourself to “tune in” you may feel who sent that messenger, hoping you’ll receive their message – even if it’s a simple acknowledgment that your loved ones are always around.

Many Native American tribes tell stories and hold beliefs surrounding the Cardinal.

In Cherokee creation stories, the first “red bird” is considered to be the daughter of the Sun. This gives the Cardinal a feminine connection, even though the male is the more brightly colored.

The Choctaw people believe the Cardinal is an omen regarding relationships. If you’re single, it could be a sign that your status is about to change. If your relationship is in trouble, the Cardinal can be seen as a warning that things need to change.

Some Native American cultures believe that Cardinals help them predict changes in the weather and serve as watchers and guardians. Others look to Red Cardinal sightings as a sign of what direction to travel or follow. The color red is considered protection from enemies and illness.

In their practice, Native American shamans utilize the medicine wheel. The basic makeup of this medicine wheel includes the four sacred – or cardinal – directions: north, south, east and west, and the four cardinal colors: red, blue, black and white. In the medicine wheel, the color red is most associated with the east, the season of spring and animals of flight, including the Cardinal. It’s believed that words spoken in the direction of the east are carried on wings and delivered directly to the spirit world.

Four of the seven archangels are considered Cardinal Angels. They are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. Cardinal Angels are tasked with influencing and inspiring large groups, such as cultures and nations, similar to the Native American belief that the spirit world offers guidance, protection, and direction through messengers.

The Red Cardinal continues to be an important part of our lives, especially in bridging the gap between our world and the spirit world and bringing the wisdom of the universe to us in a bright-and-beautiful way. All we have to do is pay attention…

So, my friends, like me, let your Cardinal sightings bring you a gentle feeling of peace, a feeling of knowing you’re being heard. Let these visits remind you that you’re always guided and protected.

Link to original article HERE

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Not exactly the kind of blog post title you’d expect from a horror writer, was it?

There are things in this world that we will never fully understand (thank you Zak Bagans). We’re all different and I’m highly thankful for that. The world would be a pretty boring place if we weren’t. We all believe in different things. Some people believe in zombies, ghosts and spirit messengers. Some people believe the Patriots cheat every time they step onto a football field. Some people believe the WWE is real…hell, some people even believe NASCAR is entertaining and Budweiser is real beer.

I’m not the most spiritual person around, but as I grow older and wiser (pause for raucous laughter), I’m becoming less and less of a skeptic. I know some of you will scoff at my beliefs. Have at it.

I truly believe these glorious winged creatures are bringing me messages from the spirit world. If this is mum’s way of sending me a sign to help me through the next few weeks, I’ll take every crumb of comfort I can from the sightings and have a shot of Brandy in her honor through the tears. Love you, mum.